How to Learn German Language: Your Complete Guide

Want to study or work in Germany? Then learning German language can really help. This guide is made specially for Indian students who want to learn German, study in Germany for free, or get jobs in German companies. We will also tell you about the best German classes in India, apps to use, and how much time it may take.

Many Indian students dream to study in Germany because of free education. But getting admission in English taught programs is very difficult now due to high competition. That is why learning German language is the best hack. If you learn German from A1 to B2 level, you can easily apply for German taught courses in a Public University, even if you have low grades in your Bachelor.

Why You Should Learn German Before Moving to Germany

Many students only try for English taught programs, but the competition is very high there. The reality is that 80% to 90% of degrees in Germany are actually in German. If you learn the language up to B2 level, you can apply for German taught courses. This is a big secret: even if you have low grades in your Bachelor, you can still get admission in a top Public University in Germany because very few international students apply for these courses. Also, local German students usually start working after Bachelor, so the seats for Master's in Germany are empty.

How Long Does It Take to Learn German?

Many people ask, How long does it take to learn the German language?

• If you are serious and study well, then it takes around 750 hours (about 30 weeks) to learn the basics.
• But most Indian students take 2 to 2.5 years to reach a good level (B2 or C1).
• It depends on your practice, motivation, and how much time you give.

Don’t rush. Focus on speaking and understanding German, not just grammar.

Check: Top 10 Best Foreign Languages to Learn for Students

Best Free Resources to Learn German Online

You do not need to pay lakhs to institutes like Goethe. You can do self-study for free. Here is the best roadmap:

• Learn German (YouTube): Use this channel for grammar and completing levels from A1 to B2. Make your own handwritten notes from these videos.

• Easy German: This is best for listening practice. They show street interviews with subtitles in both German and English. It helps you understand how real people talk.

• Nicos Weg: This is a movie-style course by DW. It is very interesting and covers A1 level, A2, and B1.

• Netflix/Series: Watch shows like "Dark" or "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)" only after you finish basics, just to get used to the sound.

Also Check: Steps to Study in Germany for Free for Indian Students

6-Month Study Plan to Learn German (A1 to B2)

To finish learning German in 6 months, you have to treat it like a full-time job.

• Input: Watch the video lessons and understand the logic.

• Shadowing Technique: When you hear a German word, repeat it exactly like the speaker. Copy their tone and speed. This removes your Indian accent.

• Writing: Don't just watch. Write everything down. When you write, your brain remembers spelling better.

• Consistency: If you study for 2 days and take break for 5 days, you will fail. You must be consistent.

Also Check: Study Non-STEM Courses in Germany

How to Practice German Speaking and Writing with ChatGPT

Since you are doing self-study, you don't have a teacher to check your mistakes. Here, you can use ChatGPT as your personal tutor.

• Check Notes: Click a photo of your handwritten notes and upload it. Ask AI to find mistakes or take a test.

• Creative Writing: Read a news article, pick random keywords, and try to write a small story using them. It does not need to be a logical story, just funny or random is okay.

• Correction: Upload your story to ChatGPT and ask, "Correct my grammar." This helps you improve sentence formation for the B2 level exam.

How to Learn German Language in India?

Indian students are advised to learn German in India rather than in Germany as it is cheaper to learn the German language in India and the presence of a familiar support system will only make the process more enjoyable. For those wondering, learning a short language course in Germany could cost an Indian student anywhere between 720 - 850 euros (approx) which is about INR 65,000 - INR 70,000. In comparison, candidates looking to learn German in India would have to spend about INR 28,000 - 30,000 for the course. However, candidates can learn the German language in India. Candidates can check out language and short courses on the official DAAD website.

In this section, we are going to be talking about the various techniques that can be adopted to learn the German language in India for students.

Learn German Language in India - Max Mueller Bhavan

Goethe-Institut - the cultural organization of the Federal Republic of Germany is responsible for promoting the German language outside of Germany. The Goethe-Institut has set up multiple Goethe Instituts (institutions) and Goethe Centers for students who are looking to learn the German language in India.

Students who are planning to learn German can check out the nearest ‘Goethe-Instituts’ - German language institutions and learning centres spread across the length and breadth of the country. Students learning the German language in India can also get a taste of German culture and can enrol for the multiple online and in-person classes offered by these learning institutions.

How to Learn German Language: German Language Institutions in India (Max Mueller Bhavan)

To give Indian students looking to learn German in India an idea of the kind of classes that are held in Goethe-Instituts - German language institutions in India. Let us take the example of the German Classes being offered by Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan – Bangalore.

Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan – Bangalore – Online Classes

These are 100% online session-based live virtual classroom training

Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan – Bangalore – In-person Classes

These are in-person classroom sessions which are similar to online but in-person classrooms

Candidates should note that the above schedule is only for classes that are available for Goethe-Institute Max Mueller Bhavan – Bangalore. Other centres could host classes in different frequencies and there could be a difference in German language fees. The above is to give you an idea of the frequency and price range for learning German in India.

How to Learn German Language – German Language Courses in India

Candidates can also look at learning the German language from Indian universities and colleges. Students can take up a German course as a diploma, or a certificate course and pursue the foreign language as a full-time programme across universities in India.

How to Learn German Language: Courses offered in German at Indian Universities

Given below is the list of courses offered in German:

Indian Universities offering German

There are close to 100 universities both private and public that offer German undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil and PhD programmes in India. Popular universities from where students can study the German language in India include

• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Delhi University (DU)
• IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University
• Amity University, Noida
• Visva Bharati University
• Calcutta University
• Banaras Hindu University
• University of Mumbai [MU]
• Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
• University of Madras

What is the level of German Indian Students needed in Germany for studying?

How to Learn German Language: We have provided an extensive guide on How to learn German. However, candidates would be interested to know how much German is enough to study in Germany. Indian students looking to study German for education should note that if your course is in German, you need to know the language well enough to follow a lecture or seminar discussion.

Knowledge of the German language is measured on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Broadly speaking the CEFR is concerned with assessing progress in learning a foreign language and has 6 levels in the framework. German Knowledge Level between B2 and C2 in the CEFR scale would allow you to apply to all German universities without any obstacles.

CEFR – Overview

• A1 – Beginner
• A2 – Basic knowledge
• B1 – Advanced language use
• B2 – Independent use of language
• C1 – Expert language skills
• C2 – Almost native language skills

Start your German Language Classes with Shiksha - Basics

How to Learn German Language: Candidates can check out German pronunciations of English alphabets, commonly used German words and their meanings in English and a handful of German phrases and their English meanings for you to kick-start your German with us. All the Best!

Useful Links: Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Candidates looking for assistance with German university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. Readers with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section below.

Related Reads: